Curriculum

Following the school’s mission, the English department encourages students to ask the kinds of questions—Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going?—that will shape them into lifelong searchers for truth.

Our School Mission challenges us to base our exploration of the past in the “spiritual education of the heart, soul, and mind.” Thus, we conceive of history not simply as an edifying entertainment or utilitarian exercise in citizen building, but as a moral exercise: the critical examination of what our human nature has wrought in its ever-changing physical, cultural and temporal settings.

Guiding students through the Ancient and Medieval experiences and into those of Modern Europe, the history curriculum introduces the great personalities, ideas, and decisions which shaped Western Civilization. The investigation of the American experience follows naturally from this genealogy of the West. Our dedication to the development of insightful reading, critical thinking, and compelling speech and writing concludes with electives in the social sciences, global history, and a focused national case study.

ANCIENT HISTORY
It turns out we've always been us! Our first foray into the past introduces Third Form students to this greatest, most humbling, but, ultimately, most liberating truth that Clio has to offer: The strange looking folks in the rear-view mirror are more like us than they first appear. This inquiry into the peoples and cultures of the earliest river valley civilizations, Egypt, Greece, and pagan and Christian Rome also familiarizes students with the methodologies and philosophies of history that will inform their subsequent work in the discipline. While recognizing their inseparability, we prioritize the role of the human person over abstract forces in our story. Call it "radical traditionalism" if you like, but it fires the imagination! This inspiring and practical exercise in reading, thinking, speaking and writing like historians prepares our scholars for the mounting intellectual challenges of the Humanities course that follows.

UNITED STATES HISTORY
Who are the Americans? How, if at all, do the people and nation differ from others around the globe? From the first colonial generation of the 17th Century through our own, Americans have wrestled with this identity issue and its profound implications. It has shaped the collective imagination and countless individual perspectives. In tracing the national experience through its characters great and small, we attempt to define that deeply rooted, but evolving, sense of self. Close reading of primary and secondary texts, discussion and debate, and both critical/analytical and research writing challenge students in the development of the discipline's sophisticated skill set. This vital intellectual exercise yields young men and women confident in their growing ability to think about the American story like historians.

UNITED STATES HISTORY AP
This course guides our brightest and most motivated scholars in the pursuit of two practical goals: efficient preparation for the Advanced Placement standardized test in the spring and a confident facility with the philosophies and methodologies necessary to a sophisticated understanding of the American past. Our historians-in-training learn to manage the details (and tensions) of realistic narratives in support of the analysis and criticism of the human agency at the heart of both continuity and change. More than a decade of exemplary test scores and grateful graduate testimonies attest to the value of this multidimensional academic exercise. The class makes serious demands...and repays them handsomely.

RHODE ISLAND HISTORY SEMINAR
America's smallest state has enjoyed a crucial impact on American history. From Roger Williams' stubborn insistence on freedom of conscience, through ingenious capitalists' fiery resistance to British tyranny, to Newport's Gilded Age society and beyond, Rhode Islanders innovate and adapt to challenges. Along the way, the students will debate the achievements and foibles of unique figures like Anne Hutchinson, the Brown Brothers, and Alva Belmont. This full-year elective course demands the type of scholarly research, historiographical study, and student-led discussion that they will confront at the nation's most selective colleges.

EUROPEAN HISTORY HONORS
The Italian Renaissance (1300-1650) was one of the greatest intellectual and cultural epochs in world history. In this seminar we will cover Florence, Rome, and the other Italian states in the age of plagues and cathedrals, in the age of Dante, Petrarch, Machiavelli, and Castiglione, in the age of humanism, philosophy, art and a revived classicism. There will be a focus on history, but we will also cover literature, politics and religion. We will use primary source readings as well as secondary sources.   

U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS AP

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level elective course in U.S. government and politics. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. government and politics through analysis of data and text- based sources as they explore topics like constitutionalism, liberty and order, civic participation in a representative democracy, competing policy-making interests, and methods of political analysis.  The students will delve into primary and secondary sources in order to develop vital critical thinking skills and gain a better understanding of the competing and counterbalancing forces binding the republic together in a polarizing political climate.

The Humanities curriculum, which substitutes for separate offerings in English, History, and Christian Doctrine, provides all Fourth Form students with a solid foundation in each of these disciplines through an intensive interdisciplinary grounding in the language, literature, history, and thought of the West from St. Paul and St. Augustine to the present. Seminars provide students with the opportunity to analyze and discuss the great books of the Western Tradition, while lectures and plenary sessions provide necessary background and context. Small writing sections allow for individual work in writing and in critical thinking and help to sharpen student skills in rhetoric and poetics. Texts read include Dante, Shakespeare, Milton, Joyce, St. Paul, St. Augustine, St. Thomas More, Descartes, Pascal, Locke, Marx, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

The objectives of the Mathematics Department are to develop critical thinking skills, train students to become problem solvers, and foster concise logical reasoning skills. To achieve this goal, the Department has placed a strong emphasis on problem solving in our formative courses (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II), where students develop the strategies and skills needed to solve challenging word problems and to learn to express their solutions in a logical manner.

Developing a solid base of skills and techniques early on will help foster a foundation that will bring success in our higher level courses. Like a building that is only as strong as its foundation, successful mathematics students, too, have built upon a firm grasp of skills, techniques, and strategies that our Department helps lay in order to ensure a lasting success in their studies of Mathematics.

The department employs the programmable graphing calculator as a valuable aid in the teaching and learning of mathematics. In particular, the use of the TI-nspire CX II CAS is required in all math classes. Accepting that technology is a powerful tool to help further deeper learning, the Department acknowledges that the graphing calculator is an aide to learning, not an alternative to understanding. Students develop the basic skills and techniques and use technology to gain a better understanding of the mathematics being studied.

Students who enter the program at any level are placed as close as possible to the point that their previous preparation warrants. New students are placed by the Department Chair, who bases their placement on standardized tests scores, official transcripts, and previous teacher recommendations. Irrespective of the requirement, nearly all students take mathematics during each of their years at Portsmouth Abbey.

ALGEBRA I
All of the greatest discoveries in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics begin with the mastery of Algebra 1. The field properties of the real numbers are used throughout the development of this course. Within this framework, Algebra I includes the study of polynomials, equations and inequalities, linear functions, systems of equations, factoring and fractions, exponents and radicals, general quadratic equations and quadratic functions. Students get their first taste of mathematical modeling in this course.

GEOMETRY
Everyone knows that the sides of a right triangle fit the pattern , but in Geometry you do not have to take someone's word for it - you can actually prove it to yourself! In geometry - for the first time, really - students begin to see that they can actually provide the reasons that allow them to show the correct solutions. Many people say they learned how to think and win arguments after taking a proof-oriented geometry course. The principal concern of this course is to make the student articulate about geometric concepts. Working with undefined terms, definitions, postulates and theorems, the student's intuition is tested and a logical structure is constructed. Where necessary, related algebraic skills are reviewed and integrated into the course. 

ALGEBRA II/INTRODUCTION TO ANALYSIS
Take a stroll around the plane and answer big questions such as:  Am I real? Rational? Irrational? Imaginary? Complex? This is also the course where you learn how functions can help you model the real world. There is a general development of functions with the emphasis on linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Sequences, series, and elementary concepts of probability are also studied. There is normally one Honors section of this course.

PRECALCULUS
The topics covered include functions and their graphs (including polynomial, rational, algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions), analytic geometry, polar coordinates, complex numbers, sequences, series, and limits. The TI-nspire CX II CAS continues to be used to enhance and support the student’s mathematical understanding.

PRECALCULUS HONORS
A primary objective of this course is to broaden the student's understanding of the logical structure of mathematics. Material covered includes: mathematical induction, analytic geometry (including rotation of axes), trigonometry, field axioms, complex numbers, functions and their graphs (including polynomial, rational, algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic), and probability. The course concludes with an intensive exploration of the numerical aspects of limits, sequences and series, and the integral to provide a foundation for AP Calculus BC.

STATISTICS AP
Through active learning, the students learn to look for an overall pattern in a set of data as well as how to interpret the deviations from that pattern. Students learn the fundamental concepts of inferential and descriptive statistics while completing the College Board AP Statistics syllabus, equivalent to one semester of undergraduate statistics. (Note: Algebra II/Introduction to Analysis is a prerequisite for this course but may be taken concurrently with the permission of the Department.)

CALCULUS AB AP
In life, nothing remains the same forever. Calculus helps you understand and appreciate the "how" and "why" of change. Students learn the fundamental concepts and applications of differential and integral calculus while completing the College Board AP Calculus AB syllabus, equivalent to one semester of undergraduate calculus.

CALCULUS BC AP
The College Board AP Calculus BC syllabus, equivalent to two semesters of undergraduate calculus, is completed. Calculus BC includes the Calculus AB syllabus, with some topics explored in more depth, as well as additional work with parametric, vector, and polar functions and infinite series.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN MATH
For students who have taken AP Calculus prior to their Form VI year, we offer an advanced topics course. In previous years, we have covered Real Analysis, Multivariable Calculus, and Number Theory.

This year, we're studying Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, using the text by MIT Professor Gilbert Strang. These are the two most important subjects in undergraduate level mathematics, and we will examine them both, independently at first, and then we'll combine them to see how the ideas behind vector spaces will help solve some beautiful systems of differential equations.

COMPUTER SCIENCE AP
Do you want to learn the basic concepts underlying the software in the many devices in our lives that are powered by microprocessors? The College Board AP Computer Science syllabus is completed, equivalent to one semester of introductory undergraduate computer science.

ECONOMICS
This sixth form elective course is a full year introduction to the study of economics.  Using N. Gregor Mankiw’s Principles of Economics, students explore topics in both microeconomics and macroeconomics.  Students begin with the ten principles of economics, work through the essence of supply and demand to gain an overview of how markets work.  The course then takes a close look at firm behavior and the organization of industry with the costs of production and the four major types of markets.  Inherent in this study is critical thought regarding a firm’s decision-making method and the effects on the overall market.  Moving on to the macro level, students study national income, cost of living, GDP, saving, investment, tools of finance and unemployment. Throughout the year, students explore economics in action through current events and given the global community at Portsmouth Abbey, they gain an understanding of theory relevant to the global economy through personal experience.

The general goal of these years of instruction is communication: understanding, speaking, reading and writing in the new language. These goals are achieved through patterned drills, vocabulary acquisition, detailed presentations of grammar, reading short texts and writing compositions. In the first two years of language study, special emphasis is placed on oral comprehension and speaking. In the upper level courses, emphasis is placed on direct comprehension of literary texts rather than translation.

Through intensive study of literature, students are encouraged to think critically and to appreciate the culture of the language studied.Students are also given ample opportunity to speak and listen in the language as well as to write lengthier compositions.

Throughout the program, the students are also introduced to the culture and civilization of the nations where the language is spoken. Placement in the following courses is done by the Department Head after careful consideration of the student's previous experience. 

FRENCHFRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 1
Students are introduced to basic vocabulary, French pronunciation, and elementary grammar structure. The majority of the class is conducted in French. Students begin communicating in French from the first class day. As their knowledge base grows, students incorporate vocabulary and grammar in groups of practical scenarios. While practicing the language, students also learn about the people, places and customs of the French-speaking world through cultural reading. Throughout the year, students are evaluated on their written, oral, listening, and reading comprehension ability.

FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 2
In this course, vocabulary expansion and basic study of grammar is completed. The language becomes a tool by which students engage in meaningful communication. The students learn to talk about travel, food, health, and shopping vocabulary and are required to use this information in artistic projects and oral presentations. The emphasis is placed on specific vocabulary and verb tenses and students begin to apply both in conversation. The students also learn about French culture and history by reading stories and writing more frequently. The class is conducted entirely in French.

FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 2 HONORS
Students continue learning vocabulary and more basic grammar structures as well as to read and write in the new language. The language becomes a tool by which students engage in meaningful conversation. The emphasis is placed on verb tenses and students begin to apply them in conversation. Students learn to talk about travel, food, health, and shopping vocabulary and are required to use this information in artistic projects and oral presentations. The students learn about French culture and history by reading stories and writing more frequently. The class is conducted entirely in French.

FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 3
In this course students continue to learn vocabulary and tackle new, more difficult grammar structures and verb tenses at a faster pace. Emphasis is placed on learning to write and to speak in the language using the complex grammar, verb tenses, and expressions presented in this course. Through textbook readings and online francophone newspapers, students practice their reading comprehension and become more familiar with the culture in French-speaking countries. Upon completion of the course, students may wish to take the SAT Subject Test in French. The class is conducted entirely in French.

FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 3 HONORS
In this course, students continue learning vocabulary, advanced grammar structures, and verb tenses at a faster pace. Emphasis is placed on learning to write and to speak in the language using the complex grammar, verb tenses, and expressions presented in the course. Through their readings of textbook selections, online francophone newspapers, students master reading comprehension and become more familiar with culture in French-speaking countries. Students perfect their abilities to speak, write and read in French. Upon completion of the course, students may wish to take the SAT Subject Test in French. The course is conducted entirely in French.

FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 4
This course focuses on a survey of French history, literature and grammar. Students begin with a concentrated review of grammar and learn to read for comprehension and full participation in class discussion. Francophone culture is researched and discussed by students by reading online newspapers.  An equal emphasis is placed on aural skills – both speaking and oral comprehension that are practiced through classroom discussions. The class is conducted entirely in French.

 FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 4 HONORS
This course focuses on a survey of French history, literature and grammar. Students begin with a concentrated review of grammar and learn to read more carefully for comprehension and full participation in class discussion. An emphasis is placed on writing papers, long paragraphs and summaries. Students learn to rely on their knowledge and ability to comprehend through context and less on dictionaries. An equal emphasis is placed on aural skills – both speaking and oral comprehension that is practiced through research, class presentations as well as frequent classroom discussion. The course is conducted entirely in French.

FRENCH LANGUAGE & CULTURE AP
This course prepares students for the French AP Language and Culture Exam which assesses speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing and culture in francophone countries. The course focuses on integrating these skills authentically and meaningfully through a wide variety of exercises to enable effective communication on tasks and social situations with a native speaker. The course begins with an intense grammar review and a survey of francophone literature. Students learn more about French culture in many francophone countries through online news, research and readings. Students become proficient in reading and oral comprehension of authentic material, master the ability to speak and write in both formal and informal settings.  The Spring Term is devoted to practice for the AP exam using test materials and workbooks specifically designed for the exam. 
 

SPANISHSPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 1
Students are introduced to basic vocabulary and elementary grammar structures. The majority of the class is conducted in Spanish. Students begin communicating in Spanish from the first day in class. As their knowledge base grows, students incorporate vocabulary and grammar in group presentations of practical scenarios. While practicing the language, students also learn about the people, places, and customs of the Spanish speaking world through cultural readings. Throughout the year, students are evaluated on their written, oral, listening, and reading comprehension ability.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 2
In this course vocabulary expansion and basic study of grammar is completed. The language becomes a tool by which students engage in meaningful communication. The students learn to talk about travel, food, shopping, the environment, health, and outdoor activities. The students also learn about Spanish speaking cultures. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 2 HONORS
In this course students complete their basic grammar study. The students are able to use the language to truly communicate through classroom discussion and debate. They learn vocabulary for travel, food, shopping, the environment, health and outdoor activities, and are required to use this information in artistic projects and oral presentations. The students also learn about Spanish-speaking cultures in the textbook, and by reading authentic stories from all over the Spanish speaking world. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 3
This course is designed for the student who has completed at least two years of Spanish. This course emphasizes the four communicative skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a culturally authentic context. The development of advanced vocabulary, reading comprehension, speaking, and writing skills are stressed.  Reading selections from famous Spanish and Latin American literature are included to give the student a deeper insight into Hispanic civilizations and the culture of Spanish speaking people. Upon completion of the course, students may wish to take the SAT Subject Test in Spanish.  The course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 3 HONORS
This course is designed for the student who has mastered the fundamentals of Spanish at the Spanish 2 level.  This accelerated course emphasizes the four communicative skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a culturally authentic context. The development of advanced vocabulary, reading comprehension, speaking and writing skills are stressed. The coursework leads students to gain greater sophistication and breadth in their spoken and written expression.  Reading selections from famous Spanish and Latin American literature are included to give the student a deeper insight into Spanish and Latin American civilizations and culture of Spanish speaking people.  Students are expected to maintain a highly active participation level in class.  Upon completion of the course, students may wish to take the SAT Subject Test in Spanish.  The course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 4
This course concentrates on intensive and advanced study of Spanish and Latin American literature and history. Students learn about Spanish and Latin American culture through in-depth research projects and presentations on important historical figures, events, and places. A heavy emphasis is placed on oral communication through classroom discussion and debate. Students are required to form and express their opinions through reaction papers and class discussion. Current events are scrutinized whenever possible. Students also enhance their grammar skills through grammar review and composition essays. Listening comprehension is practiced daily since this course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 4 HONORS
This course concentrates on intensive and advanced study of Spanish and Latin American literature and history.  Students learn about Spanish and Latin American culture through in-depth research projects and presentations on important events and historical figures.  A heavy emphasis is placed on oral communication through classroom discussion and debate.  Students are required to form and express their opinions about relevant topics.  They are also required to monitor the current events in a Spanish speaking country of their choice in order to become familiar with that country and later present personal conclusions to the class.  Students also enhance their grammar skills and their writing ability through grammar reviews, reaction papers, and creative essays.  Listening comprehension is practiced daily since this course is conducted entirely in Spanish.

SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURE AP
This course prepares students for the Spanish AP Language Test which assesses the student’s speaking, listening comprehension, writing, and grammar abilities. The course focuses on integrating these skills authentically and meaningfully. The course begins with an intense grammar review and by the Spring Term the students are introduced to materials that closely duplicate the AP Exam.

SPANISH - LITERATURE AP
This course prepares students to analyze and write compositions on selected 19th and 20th century Spanish and Latin American novelists, poets, and dramatists. As a prerequisite, students must have earned a 4 or 5 on the Spanish AP Language exam.

CHINESECHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE I
In this beginning course, students learn pronunciation patterns, tones, and basic grammatical structures. Vocabulary, numbers and basic greetings are used to prefect pronunciation. For speaking skill, approximately 250 words are introduced. For reading and writings, students learn 200 Chinese characters. Units on Chinese history and culture complement the language portion of the course. This course is open to students with no previous background in Chinese.

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 2
For this course, students should be able to communicate freely on familiar and personal topics. Students will continue to work on grammar and vocabulary to broaden their knowledge of vocabulary words and characters. For speaking skill, approximately 450 words are introduced. For reading and writing, students learn 400 Chinese characters. In this course, students learn more about the history and culture of China. This course is open to students who have completed a First Year Chinese Course.

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 3
This intermediate course gives students the opportunity to expand their oral and written knowledge of Chinese so that they are able to read short stories and discuss daily life topics in the target language. Students continue to build vocabulary and new words. In addition, the study of Chinese history and culture remain an integral part of the course.

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 4
This course aims to help students solidify their knowledge of spoken and written Chinese. Students develop reading strategies to comprehend material composed in formal written Chinese. Authentic resources (literature, newspapers, magazines, radio and television programs) are used. This course prepares students to continue their study of Chinese at an advanced level in college.

CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE AP
AP Chinese Language and Culture is intended for qualified students who are interested in completing studies comparable in content and difficulty to a full-year course at the second-year college level. The course is taught entirely in Chinese. The primary goal of AP Chinese is to enable students to master conventions of communication through the exploration of topics reflecting multiple aspects of Chinese society and culture, the use of various authentic multimedia and literary materials in different linguistic registers, advanced-level Chinese language structures, and expressive styles.   

Performing in front of an audience can have a profound impact on a student. It is an exhilarating experience that builds self-esteem and confidence. 

Through a systematic rehearsal process, students are given the tools to intellectually, physically, and vocally expand and strengthen their stage presence and performance abilities. These experiences and skills will help students in future leadership, artistic, and public speaking situations.  Theater is a collaborative art, drawing on the artistry and craftsmanship of other, non-performative disciplines, such as stage, lighting, sound and costume design. For each production, therefore, students are also offered the opportunity to participate as a member of the stage crew, where they can develop their skills in all of these areas. 

MUSIC
Music is the most intangible of the arts; yet it has expressed and contributed to the formation of cultures past and present. In the courses described below, students work toward an articulate understanding of music through examination of its language. They become better able to interpret its emotional impact. But, more importantly, they attempt to grasp not only how music is a creative art for composer, performer, and listener, but also what theoretical disciplines and aesthetic laws shape it. 

FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION
This course serves as an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in both practical and theoretical elements of music. An introduction to the fundamentals of music theory will set the stage for a broad exploration of several practical music applications including composition, improvisation, performance, and analysis. Each student will be expected to choose a primary instrument with which to participate in the practical music applications during class. For those students with no instrumental experience or those focused on singing, the student may use his/her voice as an instrument. It is also possible for a student to, with the guidance of the teacher, learn a new instrument as part of the course. Throughout the course, the students will be exposed to diverse styles of music ranging from ancient Greek theatrical music to Beethoven’s symphonies to Radiohead.

MUSIC THEORY AP
The purpose of this course is to provide a broad and intensive curriculum that will delve deeply into the inner workings of music. Aspects of music theory including pitch, rhythm, tonality, melody, harmony, counterpoint, and form will be analyzed in detail. In addition to developing analytical skills necessary for understanding complex musical structures, this course will assist the student in developing aural recognition skills that will allow him/her to both recognize common tonal patterns as well as reproduce these patterns with his/her voice. This course prepares students for the AP Exam in Music Theory.

THEATER
From classic dramas to contemporary musicals, the Abbey Players provide ambitious students with an exciting outlet for creative expression through three productions each year as an afternoon activity. Working on either side of the curtain, students learn about the immediate but indelible nature of this most collaborative of the arts.

DRAMA WORKSHOP
With a playful, hands-on approach, this class introduces students to all aspects of theater, including acting, directing, and playwriting.  Participants engage in many performance-based activities, including improvisation and mask work, as well as rehearsing and performing monologues and scenes from classical and contemporary plays.  Through physical and vocal warm-ups, the students develop a technique for performing, one that will serve them in all public speaking situations.  The class also sheds light on the rich and varied history of theater from around the world.  Students read plays, research periods of drama, and create presentations that connect the past to the present.  Each term, the class attends a live performance at a professional theater in Rhode Island, with artists often visitng the class afterwards to share their experiences.  Overall, students learn about the vital role that theater can play in our communities.    

DANCE
The Abbey dance program combines the basic goals of both the athletic and performing arts programs: to increase the strength, flexibility and coordination of the student, to refine social interaction, and to cultivate the capacity for presence and aesthetic sensibility. Dance is offered as part of our co-curricular activities in the fall. This program explores modern dance, ballet, tap, jazz, and student choreography, along with strength and flexibility training such as Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. The program culminates in a performance for the Abbey community at the end of the term.  Students also have an opportunity to dance in the winter term by participating in the musical.

The Science department at Portsmouth Abbey uses the lens of physics, chemistry, and biology to teach students how their world works and how to engage with the myriad of information presented to them as a result of the technological advancements of the 21st century.

The Scientific Method is a powerful tool when applied appropriately and students are deeply engaged in inquiry-based experiments that teach them the importance of curiosity, measurement, error analysis, and communication in any scientific endeavor. The most important goal in science education is helping students enjoy the rewards evaluating data and claims via experimentation. Students then use the lessons learned in their English, humanities, and other classes to effectively communicate the importance of the scientific concepts and their subsequent experimental results. It's impossible to do effective science without eventual communication of the results to the outside world.

The sequence of science offerings begins with physics, the most basic of the sciences, and the foundation upon which chemistry and then biology build. Science courses are designed with two major purposes in mind. First, students learn the methods of modern science, in particular its search for order in the universe through experimental and theoretical approaches. Second, they experience a thorough introduction to the three major divisions of natural science: physics, chemistry, and biology. Laboratory experiments are designed to expose students to the scientific method, which is a systematic way of evaluating information and solving a problem. Experiments show the unique procedures of science, help to demonstrate the nature of scientific proof, and illustrate the application of theoretical ideas to the physical world. Students have opportunities to produce original work through open inquiry and engage with the primary literature to get an "up close and personal" experience with the methods and ideas that have changed the way we interact with our world. 

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS
Every time something moves, physics is involved.  It is the science that looks at the most basic aspects of time, space, and matter to understand how and why things move. The course starts with waves as seen in stretched springs and water tanks then we progress to sound waves and light waves.  Regular lab activities involve ripple tanks, tuning forks, singing pipes, colored lights, prisms, lenses, polarizing filters and diffraction gratings.  Computers and measuring probes are often used to help analyze data. The math used is easy and even Algebra 1 students are able to successfully solve problems that arise.  After studying waves is a unit on mechanics. Students examine individual moving objects and develop more tools for understanding their motion, including velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, and energy.  More exotic types of motion follow, including orbits due to universal gravitation and electricity moving through circuits with light bulbs and electromagnets.  With each new topic, students get involved with labs that use the appropriate "physics toys."

CHEMISTRY
Understanding the world of chemistry is necessary to make informed decisions as scientifically literate citizens. Chemistry introduces students to the basic concepts which explain chemical behavior and to the idea that science is a process and a way of thinking rather than a mere collection of facts. This is accomplished by the most engaging aspect of the course - experimentation. Students learn how scientists acquire and then verify facts about their physical surroundings, and how they explain those facts by constructing theories. Students are encouraged to use real-world examples from their daily lives and to evaluate the chemical processes that are happening every day that may often be ignored. This can range from such simple questions as why does metal rust to more complex topics such as digestion and metabolism of the nutrients in our food. Essential topics covered include atomic structure, chemical reactions and mechanisms, conservation of matter and energy, bonding, equilibrium, acid-base behavior, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Fundamental chemical concepts as well as basic problem solving are emphasized. These concepts are reinforced by hands on laboratory experiments and inquiry based investigations. Throughout the laboratory aspect of the course the principles of Green Chemistry are emphasized and employed. The laboratory component of the course helps students become good researchers and realize that Chemistry is not confined to a textbook but is relevant and part of their everyday world.

CHEMISTRY HONORS
Chemistry honors is a more rigorous examination of chemical principles than chemistry. Investigative laboratory experiments are used to introduce the fundamental chemistry concepts. The students collect data, search for regularities and common threads, and develop hypotheses. The lab work provides the foundation for our consideration of major chemical concepts. Throughout the course, unifying principles and integrating concepts are emphasized. This approach helps students realize chemistry is not a mere collection of facts; rather it is a field where one observes, assimilates questions, evaluates and draws conclusions.

CHEMISTRY AP
Chemistry AP continues the work begun in chemistry with special emphasis on the six BIG IDEAS of the AP curriculum. Laboratory investigation is critical to the course.  The lab work is inquiry based where students are required to devise and implement their own schemes of analysis to solve specific lab problems. Collaboration and independent thinking are critical. The relationship between experimentation and theory is developed. Students are engaged in scientific activity that allows them to integrate and apply key chemical concepts considered in the lab. Besides descriptive chemistry, the principles of bonding, intermolecular forces, reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base, oxidation and reduction and coordination chemistry are emphasized.

BIOLOGY
What is life? Philosophers, theologians, and scientists have been pondering that profound question for centuries. This course explores the question from a biological perspective. Biology students will utilize their backgrounds in physics and chemistry to explore the living world through hands on activities and engaging with the latest discoveries. Lab experiments cover three broad categories: molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, and population biology. Students are encouraged to make use of our ecologically diverse campus on the shores of Narragansett Bay by studying local flora and collecting water samples from the pond, estuary, and bay. Other lab activities include an open inquiry experiment designed to apply the scientific method to consumer product claims, a bacterial identification via a gram stain, using DNA to transform a strain of E. Coli to glow in the dark, simulation of the spread of an infectious disease, analysis of food content, observing embryonic development in chickens, extraction of photosynthetic pigments, testing the effect of acid rain on plant growth, simulating natural selection, testing the immunology of different species, and comparative anatomy and physiology of animals. Students spend time developing their own experiments and evaluating other experiments in order to better recognize what makes for acceptable data and the importance of peer review. Along with an introduction to the concepts and vocabulary of the science of living things, major groups from among the animals and plants are identified and studied with emphasis on their interdependence. Cellular structure and function, energy usage, reproduction, heredity, evolution, behavior, and ecology are specific areas explored. An appreciation of the anatomy and physiology of the major systems of the body help students to understand the intricacies of their own bodies and what results if balance is not maintained. Students are also introduced to the primary research literature and are encouraged to explore their own questions via daily participation, weekly article summaries, and extensive lab reports.

BIOLOGY HONORS
This course delves more deeply into the world of living things than Biology.  Enrollment is dependent on departmental recommendation.

BIOLOGY AP
This course is designed around the AP Biology curriculum framework and is centered on the four big ideas of biology:

Big idea 1: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. 
Big idea 2: Biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic
homeostasis.
Big idea 3: Living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.
Big idea 4: Biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Each big idea is supported by enduring understandings and essential knowledge, which are taught in relationship to each other and to the associated big idea(s).  Students delve into the concepts by doing intense inquiry-based experiments correlated with independent reading in the textbook. Class time is divided between intense open inquiry investigation and seminars mimicking a college classroom. Students are required to read primary literature in addition to the textbook for each big idea and practice their understanding of the big ideas via oral lab meetings. Students discuss the results of their weekly experiments and clarify information from their reading in front of their peers. Chemistry is a prerequisite. Biology AP may be taken as a first course in biology if recommended by the department or as a second course in biology by students with a strong science background.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Infectious Disease will introduce students to the agents that caused some of the worst pandemics in human history and also look at some of the more subtly-acting microbes that may emerge in the future. A broad overview of viruses, bacteria, select parasites, and immunology will equip students to understand how microbes cause disease and how our body tries to fight them off naturally and with the help of public health’s greatest success story-vaccines. Major historical outbreaks will be covered in detail including the 1918 flu, Bubonic Plague, and various Ebola outbreaks, among others. Students will also learn the latest techniques in microbiology that scientists have harnessed using the unique capabilities of microbes themselves including CRISPR, gene therapy using viruses, and  manipulating the microbiome. Readings will be from popular-level books, scientific review papers, and news articles, and students will perform a week-long intensive lab experiment each term.

GREEN CHEMISTRY
This is a post-AP, independent-study lab course for advanced chemistry students. The class seeks to apply and integrate the principles of green chemistry - the use of chemical research to address the problems confronting society with minimal environmental impact and sustainability, while employing qualitative, quantitative and instrumental analysis. Some of the lab projects undertaken are the synthesis and comparison of  biofuels from natural oils, evaluating the effectiveness of physical, chemical and biological surfactants on cleaning up oil spills, the conversion of polylactic acid cups to a cleaner, creation of solar cells using natural pigments, studying "greener" compounds for use in heat and cold packs, rate law determination using natural substances, and investigating the effects of microbeads and triclosan on aquatic organisms.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND MARINE SCIENCE
This course investigates the world in which we live by studying our natural resources and how we interact with them. Students learn the scientific concepts and investigative techniques required to understand the environmental problems our society faces today and in the future. The word environmental broadly refers to everything around us: air, land, water, and the varied populations of living things. To take advantage of Portsmouth Abbey's proximity to the marine environment of Narragansett Bay, marine biology is emphasized including plant and animal identification and the basic concepts of oceanography. This course examines some of the greatest ocean explorers, the physical and chemical properties of sea water, the ecological interactions and principles that are vital to understanding the ocean food web, evolution of marine life, and all major marine phyla. Increased awareness of the ocean as an extremely significant natural resource is a goal of the course. With our campus-wide green initiatives, conservation is stressed. In the spring, emphasis is placed on dissections, construction of an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) and a field trip to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.  Students taking this course should have completed Biology or be taking Biology concurrently.

MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY
This course is divided into two major sections. The first section deals with the study of basic anatomy and emergency medicine. Students learn how the body functions as well as how to treat and care for a variety of health situations. The second section of this course explores the effects exercise and nutrition has on the human physiology and also examines how recent medical advances can influence us personally. Students taking this course should have completed Biology or be taking Biology concurrently.

PHYSICS AP-C
AP Physics analyzes motion using more sophisticated tools than at the introductory level.  With weekly lab activities, often using computer based data collection and analysis software, students gain a solid appreciation of how mathematical models can describe real world events.  Trigonometry is used from the start, with increasing use of calculus as the year goes on.  The course includes topics from classical mechanics, including vectors in three dimensions, Newton's laws, conservation of energy, conservation of momentum, and rotation.  With the fundamental principle mastered, students can then examine more specialized motions, including gravitation and orbits, oscillations of springs and pendulums, and motion subject to damping forces.  Students take the AP-C Examination in Mechanics in the Spring.  Time at the end of the year after the AP Exam is normally spent looking at the basics of Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity.  A previous Physics course and at least concurrent study of calculus are prerequisites.

Theology is, most simply, the study of God. Courses in the department seek to explore what it means to seek God, and how the Catholic tradition has understood this search and lived its faith. While instruction in all classes contributes to the student's spiritual growth, the Theology curriculum uniquely provides an opportunity to explore matters of faith and ultimate meaning.

The Theology curriculum accompanies the intellectual development of our students, enabling them to integrate their experience of moral and religious life into their academic life.

The curriculum is designed for students of all—and no—religious backgrounds, presenting the Christian faith in the context of reason and lived experience, and addressing matters universally pertaining to the human person.

 

BASIC THEOLOGY

Basic Theology provides Form III students an introduction to Salvation History, the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and the Catholic Church through a reading of the Bible and study of the Catholic Mass and the Nicene Creed. What is the Bible, and how should we interpret it? Who was Jesus of Nazareth, and why is he called the "Christ"? What do Christians believe? What happens at Mass?

In reading Scripture, students also encounter many basic questions: questions of who I am, of what our world is like, of what it means to believe in God.

Students encounter questions of morality and of how we should live our lives. They begin to discover questions of meaningfulness and sincerity, of trying to more fully understand who we are. Basic Theology looks at some fundamental Biblical responses to such questions, and engages students in an ongoing dialogue to explore basic Christian faith.

 

ADVANCED THEOLOGY

Advanced Theology presents Form V students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of Christianity, of religious experience, and of themselves. This three-part course centers on a single text surveying Catholic faith: Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft. Framed by the work of Kreeft (based on The Catechism of the Catholic Church), students discuss in Doctrinal Theology the essential meaning of Christian faith as it is engaged in global Christian belief and practice. In Sacramental Theology, students encounter the historical roots and theologies of Christian liturgy, particularly through in-depth study of the seven sacraments of Catholic faith. Moral Theology seeks to deepen each student’s understanding of the meaning of important church teachings on morality in our present-day world, while placing an emphasis on the development of one's own conscience and character.

 

TOPICS IN THEOLOGY

In Form VI, "Topics in Theology" is divided into three separate elements.

In Comparative World Religions, the students explore the great religious traditions of the world in historic order… Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam were examined… through their beliefs, their scriptures, their worship & prayer, and how these faiths impact the lives of believers & their society. The course particularly considers how these faiths intersect in their mystical dimensions and where they intersect with Christianity.

Catholic Social Teaching considers the responsibilities and obligations of a just society. How can society be structured to be just?

Students examine global social issues including poverty, migration, racism, and violence in order to see both the complexity of these issues and the outcomes that most promote justice and human flourishing. This course includes a service-learning component that takes students outside the classroom and into local communities to apply academic knowledge and critical thinking skills while addressing genuine community needs.

In Christian Philosophy, we see an array of approaches to the transcendentals of ancient and medieval theology: the good, the true, and the beautiful.

The course explores several dialogues of Plato, offering a basic introduction to philosophy. Students will take away from the full course a deeper self-understanding, as well as a broader perspective on the contemporary world in its search for meaning and truth, in God's merciful creation and salvation of humanity, and our eternal destiny in Him.

The three topics teach a Catholic theology appropriate to and of vital interest to Portsmouth Abbey School Form VI students embarking into the wider world and anticipating their future college or university research.

 

SCHOLA

This course extends beyond the classroom and into an active and challenging exploration and performance of Sacred Music.

The Schola has the opportunity to learn more about music and its connection to the expression of the sacred.

The class also rehearses advanced sacred music and supplies music for all school liturgies. The Schola has the opportunity to work with both the school's Director of Music as well as with the Director of Spiritual Life, in discovering the vitality in music, a central element in the history of Benedictine spirituality. Participation in the Schola, which is limited to Form VI, is based on competitive auditions.

The Visual Arts program at Portsmouth Abbey School is a motivating and competitive program that fosters creative ideas, allows students to communicate visually, and develop an appreciation for all forms of art.

Under the guidance of resident artist teachers, Portsmouth Abbey encourages students while building confidence and visual literacy through their own artwork.The oversized windows of our McGuire Fine Arts Center provide an abundance of natural light to our spacious open studios for painting, drawing and ceramics, while inspiring our students with panoramic views of our coastal campus. With additional studios for darkroom photography and digital media, our visual arts program serves as a catalyst for students to take risks, make connections with other academic courses and to cultivate new interests. Throughout the visual art curriculum, we ask students to think about how they are communicating their ideas, open pathways for cross-disciplinary collaborations and aesthetically analyze the works of their peers and other artists. Our curriculum can be tailored to a specific interest, from Fundamentals of Art to AP Art History. At Portsmouth Abbey, the visual arts program bridges the connections between our rigorous academic curriculum and personal expression.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART
Fundamentals of Art is the prerequisite course for all other studio art classes at Portsmouth Abbey School. This yearlong course is an introduction to the essential foundation skills for all art media.  Students will have the opportunity to experience a variety of different visual arts media as they learn to think aesthetically, observe critically and develop creative problem-solving skills. This course will emphasize perspective, composition and color theory through the exploration of different media and an introduction to the work of different artists and art movements throughout history.  At the end of the year, each student will have experienced every visual arts discipline we have to offer, while producing a collection of work to build their confidence and enroll in other art courses.

2-D ART
Students will be exposed to the ideas of making non-representational and representational works of art that stimulate their ideas and visual expression. With a basis of skills and understandings from the Fundamentals of Art course, students in this yearlong course will solve advanced artistic problems while working in more challenging two-dimensional media. Using a variety of materials such as graphite, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic and oil paint, students will have the opportunity to explore creative subjects such as still life compositions or plein air. To conclude the year in 2-D Art, each student works on a six-week independent project that speaks to their own artistic voice and challenges them to begin thinking conceptually. This final project is the start of building an art portfolio to represent the student's artistic skills for further discovery in Advanced Art.

CERAMICS
Have you ever ‘thrown’ a pot or ‘pulled’ a handle? Students who have completed the Fundamentals of Art prerequisite course may explore all of this and more in our year-long ceramics course. The techniques of hand-built and wheel-thrown functional forms and non-utilitarian sculptural forms will be taught along with glaze application, kiln firing procedures, and clay conservation and reconstitution. Upon completion, students will have a knowledge base of the ceramic processes and a collection of work for developing a ceramic portfolio.

PHOTOGRAPHY
If you have ever wondered about the magic of the photographic process, this yearlong course allows students to experience the creative processes of both digital and film photography. This course combines aesthetic appreciation with technical instruction to guide students in producing a portfolio of fine quality prints. During the first half of the year, students will concentrate on digital photography and image editing with Photoshop. In the last half of the year, students will learn to use traditional 35mm SRL cameras, develop black and white film and produce prints in our spacious, well-equipped darkroom. Each student must have completed a full year of Fundamentals of Art in order to enroll in this course, as well as provide their own DSLR digital camera with the ability to shoot in Manual mode and capture raw image files. At the completion of the year, each student will have a portfolio of prints, which can be used as a supplement in their college application or the beginning of an advanced art portfolio.

ADVANCED ART
Students who have completed at least two years, or the equivalent of two art courses, in the art curriculum have the ability to enroll in Advanced Art. Each student enrolled in this course will have the opportunity to experience what it means to be a true artist in a studio. Each student will work on a series of artworks which will be used to develop a final high school art portfolio. This portfolio can be used for an application to a college art program or as a supplement for college applications in other areas of study. In Advanced Art, students will be able to work in any media which they studied in a previous specific media class, such as Photography, Ceramics or 2-D Art. The Advanced Art course is designed to challenge students to develop a cohesive body of work with regular feedback and critique. Students will continue to develop both an appreciation for art and a personal voice through their chosen creative processes.

AP ART HISTORY
From the immense pyramids to the mundane soup can, the entire course of human history can be traced through the study of art. In the AP Art History class, students travel through time with art as their compass. As students begin to understand the context surrounding a work of art, they are asked to form an opinion on its value both aesthetically and historically. We also tackle the larger issues still controversial in the art world: Should the Elgin Marbles be returned to Greece? Should Van Meegeren have been punished or praised for his forgeries? Is a Jeff Koons artwork really worth millions of dollars? After taking the AP Art History course, students will see that art isn't just confined to museums and textbooks, but rather it surrounds us in our everyday lives.

In addition to its formal curriculum, Portsmouth Abbey offers several programs:

THIRD FORM HEALTH
This course provides information and discussion opportunities for students on selected health topics. Topics include stress (recognizing and dealing with), sleep, disease, medication use (over-the-counter and prescription), nutrition, tobacco, smokeless tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol. The Medical Services Department and professional guest speakers present topics.

FIFTH FORM HEALTH
This series of presentations begins with a discussion on stress and sleep. Other topics include: alcohol, reproduction, sexuality, and disease (in general and what’s new in the news). The Medical Services Department and professional guest speakers present topics.

SIXTH FORM PROJECTS
Sixth Form students may elect to pursue a project as part of their program. These projects range from very formal academic activities that carry academic credit to less formal projects that allow students to pursue a particular interest. Some projects allow students to take a short leave of absence.

PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Instruction in piano, guitar, drums, voice, and standard orchestral instruments is readily available to students at Portsmouth Abbey. At the recommendation of the Director of Music, academic credit may be given for instrumental lessons if taken for at least two years.

AFTERNOON INSTRUMENTAL PRACTICE
Students may, with departmental approval, elect to use the afternoon activity time to practice an instrument. This practice may be dedicated to individual instrumental rehearsals, geared toward a student recital or other venues. During the Winter Term, students may, with the approval of the Director of Music, choose to practice in preparation for performing in the pit orchestra for the Winter Musical.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
During the afternoon activity time, students have the opportunity to work in small musical groups to learn the art of chamber music. The students learn how to work together as a single entity in achieving a unified effect and goal. The repertoire (primarily classical) also provides opportunities for practice in sight-reading, solo performance, and improvisational skills. Each group performs publicly at various school functions.

ABBEY SINGERS
The Abbey Singers is the premier choral ensemble at Portsmouth Abbey.  Focusing on concert repertoire both sacred and secular, the Abbey Singers is a versatile group that performs music, both on and off campus, ranging from Palestrina to Billy Joel. Past collaborations have included concerts with Ponagansett High School and musicians from the U.S. Coast Guard Band. All Abbey students are welcome to participate. At the recommendation of the Director of Music, academic credit may be given to a student in the Abbey Singers following two years of participation.

ABBEY ORCHESTRA
The Abbey Orchestra is the principle instrumental ensemble at Portsmouth Abbey. With members playing instruments ranging from piano to piccolo, the Abbey Orchestra learns and performs a wide variety of music ranging from orchestral classics to movie scores. The Abbey Orchestra performs both on and off campus and will often collaborate with the Abbey Singers. Any Abbey student with approximately one year or more of experience with an instrument is welcome to join. At the recommendation of the Director of Music, academic credit may be given to a student in the Abbey Orchestra following two years of participation.

ABBEY SCHOLA
The Abbey Schola is a small vocal ensemble that provides liturgical music for school liturgies, particularly the Sunday Mass. The group is comprised of students taking a Sixth Form Christian Doctrine elective, or under formers who may fill in spaces as needed. This is a select group capable of learning and performing more advanced liturgical music. Abbey Schola members may also enroll in the Abbey Singers.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Abbey Jazz Ensemble provides an opportunity for students to learn and perform jazz standards and explore improvisation and ensemble skills. Any Abbey student with approximately one year or more of experience on an instrument is welcome to join. The Jazz Ensemble performs both on and off campus.

A CAPPELLA GROUPS
There are two a cappella groups at Portsmouth Abbey, one for boys and one for girls, that have proven to be very popular. Each group rehearses weekly and is primarily student run with guidance from the Director of Music. Frequent performances for campus functions provide great exposure for each group.

PRO DEO
The chamber orchestra rehearses twice a week and performs both with the Abbey Singers and alone at special occasions throughout the year.

ABBEY PLAYERS
The Abbey Players' philosophy is that there is something for everyone in theater: acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft. Three formal dramatic productions are staged each year, including the annual Winter Musical. Participation as an Abbey Player is open to the entire student body by audition at the beginning of each term. Recent shows include: You can’t take it with you, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Anything Goes, Macbeth, Fiddler on the Roof, Antigone, Romeo and Juliet, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, and The New Play Festival: featuring student-written plays.

INDEPENDENT STUDY
Students may pursue formal independent study for credit at points in their academic careers where experience and interest warrant. Independent study allows a student to take full advantage of the expertise and availability of our faculty. Students normally elect independent study to pursue special academic interests that are not usually available in a secondary school curriculum.